STAMFORD, Conn. — Rabbi Joshua Hammerman and several children from Temple Beth El led a crowd at the Stamford Government Center at the city’s Menorah-lighting celebration Tuesday.

In pairs of two, the kids lit four candles, representing the first four nights of Hanukkah. Despite the sunshine, Hammerman said it was close enough to nightfall to light the fourth candle.

After the kids, the rabbi and Cantor George Mordecai sang several holiday songs, a small reception with cookies and doughnuts was held. The doughnuts were made with oil, which is symbolic of the original story of Hanukkah, Hammerman said.

The holiday season is great because it allows people of all faiths to come together, he said.

About 50 people, including government officials, attended with friends and family of the members of Temple Beth El.